Summit DD, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and the Children’s Museum of Akron , in partnership with ReelAbilities Cleveland are proud to announce the return of the ReelAbilities Film Festival – Cleveland (RAFF-CLE) – This year in a new virtual format.
About the Film Festival
“We will miss our in-person audiences this year, but we wanted to keep everyone safe and healthy,” said Katti Sorboro, director of RAFF-CLE. “We think that people will like the new virtual format. It’s flexible and allows viewers plenty of time to watch the films at home and at their convenience before tuning in to our great live discussions and activities.”
This unique film festival not only presents award-winning short films to audiences across the county, but it also highlights the lives, struggles and triumphs of people with disabilities. The Films are then paired with engaging programs that bring the community together to explore, discuss, embrace and celebrate the diversity among us. With the wide range of films and topics, there is something for every age and interest.
“We are happy to be able to bring the ReelAbilities film festival back again this year,” expressed Summit DD Superintendent John Trunk. “Even while we practice physical distancing, now more than ever we need to create opportunities to come together socially –albeit virtually – to connect, learn and celebrate the abilities of all people.”
The film festival will highlight one film per week throughout the month of October. Films, discussions and activities (such as a hip hop workshop and an inclusive children’s art activity) are FREE and open to the public with registration.
2020 Film Festival Lineup
Films: Ian, JMaxx and the Universal Language
View the films: Oct. 3-10
Discussions or Activities: Hip Hop Movement/Education Workshop and Q+A: Oct. 8, 8:00 p.m. and Children’s Art Activity with Summit DD: Oct. 9, 11:30 a.m.
Topics: Autism, physical disabilities, dance, art, youth, family
Films: Moment to Moment, Revel in Your Body, Don’t Foil My Plans
View the films: Oct. 9-16
Discussion on Art Therapy: Oct. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Discussion or Activities: Filmmaker Q+A: Oct. 15, 8:00 p.m.
Topics: Art, dementia, dance, autism, independent living
Films: Sock Guys, 25 Prospect St.
View the films: Oct. 16-23
Discussion: Filmmaker Q+A: Oct. 22, 8:00 p.m.
Topic: Intellectual Disabilities, employment, inclusion, film industry
Film: Code of the Freaks
View the film: Oct. 23-30
Discussion: Filmmaker Q+A: Oct. 28, 8:00 p.m.
Topic: Disability representation, film industry, art, history
New this year: Summit DD Mosaic Art Activity
Don’t miss! Summit DD, along with the Akron Children’s Museum, will facilitate a special mosaic activity for kids and families. This activity challenges us to look at life differently and complements the film Ian which looks at obstacles one young boy must overcome in his quest to make new friends. The craft kit for the mosaic art activity is FREE (additional Mosaic Art Activity registration is required to reserve your free kit) and can be picked up at a number of Akron-Summit County Public Library branches. (see listing of available branches or alternative pick up options).
Ian will be available between October 3-10, with virtual screening and free children’s art activity at 11:30 am, Friday, October 9, 2020.)
Click here to register for the film and the mosaic art activity.
About ReelAbilities-Cleveland Film Festival
To see a listing of films, descriptions, speakers and activities, please visit ReelAbilities.org/Cleveland
Film Festival Sponsors Include: Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, Akron-Summit County Public Library, 5/3 Bank, Youth Challenge, and ADA Cleveland. To learn more about the ReelAbilities Film Festival – Cleveland and its beginnings here in Northeast Ohio, please visit ReelAbilities.org/Cleveland.
